Outbreak of neonatal infection by an endemic clone of Serratia marcescens.

INTRODUCTION

The outbreak occurred between February and June 2006 and included identification of the cases, analysis of medical records, cultures from environmental sources, resistance analyses and genotyping profile of Serratia marcescens.

METHODS

The cultures were composed of 13 blood isolates, 17 rectal and hand swabs and air sampling.

RESULTS

The data obtained by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis exhibited three strains that contaminated 24 patients. Systemic infection was the most common in neonates with lower weight, long periods of hospitalization, premature delivery and the use of mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation revealed the multifactorial nature of the outbreak. An endemic clone of S. marcescens was detected.